with ZEC teams that had limited materials. The ZESN team addressed voters mobilised by traditional leaders and trained CBOs, and at church and community meetings. An audit of the Mutoko North voters’ roll to ascertain its accuracy, completeness, and currency was conducted by ZESN. Overall, the audit revealed a progressive improvement in the quality of the current roll when compared to the rolls used in previous elections, especially the 2013 PVR. ZANU-PF was the most visible party in campaigning, particularly by way of rallies while the MDC Alliance relied on moving around in vehicles campaigning and posting posters. There were no visible campaign activities conducted by the NCA. Although rallies were generally held peacefully, threatening statements were sometimes made at the rallies. Notable efforts by a local youth CBO to promote peace were made. However, ZESN continued to observe the tearing of rivals’ campaign posters in violation of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, Candidates, and other Stakeholders. The participation of women in the election, particularly as candidates, remained a challenge. Even ZANU-PF did not field a female candidate despite the fact that the vacant seat had been occupied by a female candidate. There were also instances of the partisan distribution of food aid and seed by ZANU-PF ahead of the election. Whereas all media outlets should ensure that all political parties and candidates are treated equitable in the news media, there was a bias towards ZANU PF in the public media. Commendably, the media particularly the private media was able to cover electoral processes, for example primary elections and election day processes. In terms of the voting day processes, all polling stations successfully completed setup and opening procedures on time and all the required voting materials were available. All polling stations were adequately manned with an average of seven polling officials, 50% of them being female in most cases. In addition, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with disabilities were allowed to vote ahead of other voters. ZESN particularly commends ZEC for efforts to have a separate polling booth at every polling station in Mutoko North that facilitated voting by PWDs. Overall, the Commission complied with the threshold on number of ballot papers that can be printed in excess of the number of registered voters. The participation of the traditional leaders continued with some of the village heads (Sabhuku) reported to have been election party agents for ZANU-PF. The Mutoko North Constituency voters’ roll that was availed by ZEC has a total of 23295 registered voters. On Election Day, ZEC indicated that 52.9% turned out to vote. The processing of voters by the polling officials including those with special needs was observed to be efficient in both Mutoko North and Chegutu East. A low turnout of youth voters was noted in Mutoko and turnout in Chegutu East was relatively low. Overall, ZESN noted a reduction in turnout in both by-elections when compared to the 30 July Harmonised 6